Latest news with #Porwal
Time of India
08-07-2025
- Time of India
Architect loses valuables in bag snatching incident, plaint filed after a month
Ahmedabad: A 24-year-old architect from Usmanpura lost her phone, laptop, and Rs 20,000 in cash after a motorcycle-borne man snatched her bag in the early hours of June 12. Nearly a month later, Naranpura police on Monday registered a case of loot under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and launched an investigation. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now According to the complaint, Bhavi Porwal, who works from home and resides in a flat in Shantinagar, was returning on her scooter after attending garba classes in Sola and meeting a friend in Navrangpura. Around 3.45 am, while she was near the Bank of Maharashtra, between Patanjali Crossroads and Kids World Crossroads, a man on a motorcycle approached from behind and snatched the bag from the footrest of Porwal's scooter. The bag contained a phone, a laptop, and cash, with the total value estimated at around Rs 1.05 lakh. Porwal attempted to chase the accused, but during the pursuit, the thief suddenly applied brakes, causing her scooter to collide. She fell and sustained minor injuries, while the accused fled towards the Mirambika School area in Naranpura. Initially hesitant to report the incident, Porwal filed an online complaint on June 15 as she was out of the city. Upon returning, she approached Naranpura police with support from her friends. Police have registered a case of loot and are working to trace the accused using vehicle details and CCTV footage from the surrounding areas.
NBC News
27-06-2025
- Business
- NBC News
Shopping 4th of July sales? Don't buy these three things, according to experts
While the Fourth of July is synonymous with watching fireworks, taking trips to the beach and barbecuing with loved ones, it's also a great time to shop Fourth of July sales this week. Deals are already live across retailers like Amazon, Target, Home Depot and REI, giving you the chance to save on items that are top of mind this season. 'July Fourth sales cater heavily to our summer lifestyles, offering huge savings on products that can satisfy our need for outdoor fun and comfort,' says Vipin Porwal, the CEO and a consumer savings expert at Smarty. For example, that air conditioner you're dreaming about or the chic bathing suit that's calling your name? It's likely discounted right now. Consumers plan to spend an average of $140 during Fourth of July sales this year, according to a recent survey from RetailMeNot. The key to saving is shopping strategically, so I put together this guide with tips about what to buy and skip, plus how July Fourth sales compare to Amazon Prime Day discounts. Want more from NBC Select? Sign up for our newsletter, The Selection, and shop smarter. Should you shop early Fourth of July sales? Since July Fourth is happening within the next week, many retailers are already offering deals — and yes, you should shop early. 'Late June through July 5 is your prime window,' says Stephanie Carls, a shopping expert at RetailMeNot. There's no need to hold out for the actual holiday to take advantage of deals, especially since popular items sell out quickly. Shopping early gives you the best opportunity to find exactly what you're looking for in the ideal size and style, and it lets you spend time comparing prices across retailers, says Ashley Feinstein Gerstley, a shopping and savings strategist at Rakuten. Additionally, shopping early may mean you get to use the products you purchased during the July Fourth weekend, says Porwal. What to buy during Fourth of July sales A little bit of everything is on sale during the Fourth of July, but there's a few product categories you should focus on. I broke them down below and included examples of the types of deals you'll see this week. All products I recommend are at least 20% off and highly rated. Air conditioners and fans Many parts of the country are currently experiencing a heat wave with temperatures reaching over 100 degrees in some areas. If the heat and humidity are causing you to consider buying a new air conditioner or fan, now is the best time to do so. 'Inventory and selection decrease later in the summer, while prices go up, so you'll want to purchase sooner than later,' says Porwal. He recommends browsing deals from high quality A/C brands with lots of positive reviews to get the most value since window and portable units tend to be an expensive investment. Windmill, Midea, LG and Frigidare are some of our favorites. Outdoor furniture and patio decor July Fourth sales are the first time this year when retailers offer strong discounts on outdoor furniture and patio decor, including dining sets, lounge chairs, couches and umbrellas, says Carls. If you buy now, you have the rest of the summer to enjoy using your purchases. Popular styles tend to sell out quickly, and since July Fourth marks the transition from summer to pre-fall in the retail world, companies won't likely restock when seasonal items are gone, says Carls. That said, don't wait to check out if you fall in love with something. Grills Retailers won't offer the absolute best deals on grills until the end of the summer when they host clearance sales. But if you need a new one immediately, you'll find plenty of worthwhile discounts across models during July Fourth sales, says Carls. She recommends looking for grills on sale at big-box home improvement stores like Home Depot and Lowe's since they tend to have the most inventory and lowest prices. Hiking, camping, fishing, swimming, lawn games — whatever your favorite outdoor activity is, it likely involves some type of gear, which will be discounted during July Fourth sales, says Porwal. Specialty retailers like Dick's Sporting Goods and REI tend to have the best deals on these types of items, and you can expect to see discounts up to 30% off. Seasonal apparel and footwear Clothing and shoe stores like DSW, Gap, Old Navy and Foot Locker usually host sitewide sales around July Fourth, giving you the opportunity to refresh your warm weather wardrobe. Look for adult and kids activewear, bathing suits, beach attire and footwear like flip flops and sneakers between 20% and 40% off, says Porwal. Brands will discount seasonal apparel and footwear even more in the next few weeks, but overall, there's lots of lucrative deals during Fourth of July sales, says Carls. $19.99 $29.99 Amazon Now 33% off $19.99 $25.00 Walmart Now 20% off What to know Mattresses and bedding Strong mattress and bedding deals are a guarantee during Fourth of July sales, and they tend to rival Memorial Day's offerings. Pay attention to promotions from direct-to-consumer brands like Casper, Tempur-Pedic, Leesa and Avocado, as well as browsing deals at retailers like Mattress Firm, says Carls. We've historically seen deals over $800 off, and companies usually throw in a free gift with purchase, like pillows and bedding, or offer free haul-away and white-glove delivery services if you buy during the holiday weekend. Large home and kitchen appliances Fourth of July sales are a great time to buy appliances like refrigerators and dryers, especially because retailers want to get rid of last year's models to make room for newer inventory, says Gerstley. You can save even more when you buy multiple pieces together — you may unlock extra discounts or rebates if you're bundling appliances, like a washer and a dryer, or a dishwasher and a refrigerator, says Carls. She also recommends looking for delivery perks when you buy large home and kitchen appliances, like free shipping, installation and haul-away services. What to skip during July Fourth sales You won't see strong strong sales on the below product categories until later this year. Electronics: Hold off on buying tech like laptops, tablets and smart home devices until Amazon Prime Day, says Carls. She also doesn't recommend buying TVs until later this year — we see some of the best deals during Black Friday promotions. Back-to-school supplies: Deals on these types of items tend to start in early August and run through Labor Day, plus there's Sales Tax Holidays coming up in select states, many of which include back-to-school supplies, says Porwal. Fall apparel and footwear: Clothing and shoes like jeans, boots and jackets go on sale closer to the back-to-school season, so don't buy anything for your fall wardrobe just yet, says Porwal. Expert tips: How to save money while shopping Fourth of July sales Set a budget: Go into Fourth of July sales with a maximum amount of money you're comfortable spending, says Gerstley. Go in with a plan: Make a list of everything you want to buy ahead of time and get an idea of what they typically cost. 'Knowing what you actually need prevents you from being swayed by flashing markdowns,' says Gerstley. 'If you're on the fence about something, give yourself 48 hours to decide if you really want it or if it's an impulse buy.' Stack savings: Prioritize shopping from retailers that participate in cash back programs, and consider paying with credit cards that you earn points or cash back from. You can combine those rewards with the retailers' actual deals and promo codes, which lets you save more. Compare prices: Almost every brand and retailer hosts Fourth of July sales, so compare prices to see who has the lowest ones. 'Prices can vary a lot even within the same product category, especially for tech and appliances,' says Gerstley. If you're ordering online, compare shipping fees, too. Additionally, some retailers have price matching policies. Sign up for brands' newsletters and SMS lists: Companies keep shoppers updated about new price drops, limited-time deals, exclusive promo codes and early access to sales through newsletters and text programs, as well as their social media platforms. Use store-wide discounts: If you're shopping at a department or big-box store, you're likely filing your cart with products across categories. Some offer store-wide discounts, which can often help you save on products that might not be on sale individually elsewhere, says Porwal. Familiarize yourself with return policies: Most retailers don't have special return policies during sales, but double check to make sure. If something is a final sale, a retailer usually explicitly tells you. Meet our experts At NBC Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also ensure that all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest. Why trust NBC Select? I'm a reporter at NBC Select who's covered sales and deals for five years, including topics like Amazon Prime Day, Black Friday and Cyber Monday. To write this article, I interviewed three experts about what you should buy and skip during Fourth of July sales, and rounded up a handful of tips about how to save money while shopping.
Economic Times
17-06-2025
- Business
- Economic Times
91% of Indian graduates prefer human financial advisors amid AI boom, reveals CFA Institute survey
In an era where artificial intelligence is increasingly prevalent, a striking 91% of Indian graduates still place their greatest trust in human financial advisors for reliable financial guidance, according to a survey by the CFA Institute. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Human advisors lead, but AI gains ground Rising confidence in careers and certifications Finance tops career preferences in India Tech-driven careers and soft skills valued Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Digital platforms transform career exploration In an era where artificial intelligence is increasingly prevalent, a striking 91% of Indian graduates still place their greatest trust in human financial advisors for reliable financial guidance, according to a survey by the CFA Institute This preference significantly outweighs trust in AI assistants, robo-advisors, and social media findings were part of the Global Graduate Outlook Survey 2025, which captured insights from over 9,000 students and recent graduates across 11 markets, including 1,250 from survey explored evolving career preferences, confidence levels, and the role of professional certifications in shaping finance careers among emerging talent. Among Indian respondents, human advisors continue to hold the top spot in terms of trust, with AI-based tools and digital alternatives making steady what the survey suggests:While 91% of Indian graduates trust human advisors most, 83% also trust AI assistants like ChatGPT, placing them on par with friends and family as key sources of financial financial education platforms were relied upon by 75% of respondents, followed by robo-advisors and social media influencers, trusted by 74% and 71% report highlights, 'Trusted human advisors remain the preferred choice, but other options are also highly valued in India.' This diversified trust pattern reflects a growing appetite for tech-driven yet human-anchored financial to the CFA Institute, 87% of Indian graduates feel confident about their career prospects, and 85% believe industry certifications have improved their employability and earnings. The survey found that 68% consider certifications to offer better career progression than postgraduate degrees, indicating a marked shift towards skill-based and outcome-oriented education findings 'underscore a strong, skills-first mindset among India's emerging workforce and a clear shift toward flexible, globally relevant career pathways,' the report terms of sectoral preference, 38% of Indian graduates ranked finance as their top career choice, ahead of IT (32%) and education (21%). The preference for finance is attributed to its perceived stability, global relevance, and growth potential in India's expanding Porwal, Senior Country Head, CFA Institute India, commented, 'The insights clearly show a generation that is not only confident but also deliberate in the way they approach career growth. The consistently growing preference for finance and the trust placed in certifications highlight a skills-first mindset among Indian graduates.'India's youth is also embracing technology in the workplace. According to the survey, 92% feel confident using AI tools in their professional environments. Furthermore, more than half actively seek employers that provide AI training, indicating a rising expectation for tech-forward career evaluating key traits for securing jobs, 64% of Indian graduates cited soft skills as most important, followed by AI skills at 56%, placing them ahead of traditional academic grades or institutional report also noted a strong shift in how graduates approach career planning. Nearly 46% use social media to explore real-life career paths, while another 46% use it to build their professional presence. 37% use it for networking opportunities, highlighting the pivotal role of digital platforms in shaping career 83% feel confident using AI assistants for financial advice, and 74% rely on social media influencers for insights, suggesting an increasing reliance on tech-driven, peer-reviewed platforms.
Time of India
17-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
91% of Indian graduates prefer human financial advisors amid AI boom, reveals CFA Institute survey
Live Events Human advisors lead, but AI gains ground Rising confidence in careers and certifications Finance tops career preferences in India Tech-driven careers and soft skills valued Digital platforms transform career exploration (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our ETMarkets WhatsApp channel In an era where artificial intelligence is increasingly prevalent, a striking 91% of Indian graduates still place their greatest trust in human financial advisors for reliable financial guidance, according to a survey by the CFA Institute This preference significantly outweighs trust in AI assistants, robo-advisors, and social media findings were part of the Global Graduate Outlook Survey 2025, which captured insights from over 9,000 students and recent graduates across 11 markets, including 1,250 from survey explored evolving career preferences, confidence levels, and the role of professional certifications in shaping finance careers among emerging talent. Among Indian respondents, human advisors continue to hold the top spot in terms of trust, with AI-based tools and digital alternatives making steady what the survey suggests:While 91% of Indian graduates trust human advisors most, 83% also trust AI assistants like ChatGPT, placing them on par with friends and family as key sources of financial financial education platforms were relied upon by 75% of respondents, followed by robo-advisors and social media influencers, trusted by 74% and 71% report highlights, 'Trusted human advisors remain the preferred choice, but other options are also highly valued in India.' This diversified trust pattern reflects a growing appetite for tech-driven yet human-anchored financial to the CFA Institute, 87% of Indian graduates feel confident about their career prospects, and 85% believe industry certifications have improved their employability and earnings. The survey found that 68% consider certifications to offer better career progression than postgraduate degrees, indicating a marked shift towards skill-based and outcome-oriented education findings 'underscore a strong, skills-first mindset among India's emerging workforce and a clear shift toward flexible, globally relevant career pathways,' the report terms of sectoral preference, 38% of Indian graduates ranked finance as their top career choice, ahead of IT (32%) and education (21%). The preference for finance is attributed to its perceived stability, global relevance, and growth potential in India's expanding Porwal, Senior Country Head, CFA Institute India, commented, 'The insights clearly show a generation that is not only confident but also deliberate in the way they approach career growth. The consistently growing preference for finance and the trust placed in certifications highlight a skills-first mindset among Indian graduates.'India's youth is also embracing technology in the workplace. According to the survey, 92% feel confident using AI tools in their professional environments. Furthermore, more than half actively seek employers that provide AI training, indicating a rising expectation for tech-forward career evaluating key traits for securing jobs, 64% of Indian graduates cited soft skills as most important, followed by AI skills at 56%, placing them ahead of traditional academic grades or institutional report also noted a strong shift in how graduates approach career planning. Nearly 46% use social media to explore real-life career paths, while another 46% use it to build their professional presence. 37% use it for networking opportunities, highlighting the pivotal role of digital platforms in shaping career 83% feel confident using AI assistants for financial advice, and 74% rely on social media influencers for insights, suggesting an increasing reliance on tech-driven, peer-reviewed platforms.
Hindustan Times
08-06-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Delhi: 30-year-old arrested for over ₹30 crore import/export fraud
A 30-year-old man has been arrested for allegedly orchestrating a ₹30.47 crore fraud by submitting forged remittance documents to avail export incentives under the Foreign Trade Policy, the Delhi Police's Economic Offences Wing (EOW) said on Saturday. The accused, Angad Pal Singh also known as Angad Singh Chandhok, was deported from the United States and arrested on June 2, said deputy commissioner of police (EOW) Vikram Porwal. Singh conspired with a private bank employees to forge more than 460 Foreign Inward Remittance Certificates (FIRCs), which were used to fraudulently claim duty credit scrips — government-issued incentives meant for exporters, said police. 'Singh and his father Surinder Singh and brother Harsahib Singh managed five export firms that used these forged FIRCs to illegally secure trade benefits from the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT),' said DCP Porwal. The firms — Kumar Trading Company, National Trader, Trident Overseas India, HSC Exim India, and AHC Auto Spares — allegedly did not receive any legitimate export payments. Police said that the case, registered in 2017 following a complaint from a private bank, involves a complex web of document forgery and financial manipulation. According to investigators, between 2013 and 2015, the private bank's Naraina branch received 467 fraudulent FIRCs purportedly issued by a second private bank's Bhikaji Cama Place branch. These FIRCs falsely claimed foreign remittances for exports that never occurred, police said. According to police, based on these documents, the first private bank issued Bank Realisation Certificates (BRCs), which the accused firms used to obtain Duty Credit Scrips from DGFT. The scrips, which are tradable, allow importers to offset customs duties. 'This fraud was not just limited to paper forgery. The accused opened accounts at the first private bank and processed fake export documentation with alleged assistance from within the bank,' Porwal said, adding that the proceeds from the sale of these scrips were never backed by real exports. Singh, a class 12 pass-out from Delhi, reportedly learned the ropes of the export-import business from his father, an auto parts trader. He later roped in his friends and relatives to set up additional shell firms under the promise of high returns, police said. Three co-accused have already been arrested and charge-sheeted in the case, police added. Singh was sent to judicial custody and is also linked to another fraud case under investigation by EOW. Police said further inquiries are underway to identify the full scale of the alleged conspiracy and potential involvement of bank officials.
